The machining masters of Minnesota, Wolf Tooth Components (WTC), officially add T47 External Bottom Brackets to their extensive bottom bracket line. The new bottom brackets are machined in Minnesota. And, like everything that comes out of the WTC camp, the new T47 External BBs were engineered to be durable, reliable, lightweight, and smooth like buttah.
I’m currently using one of WTC’s bottom brackets on my custom Scarab hardtail, and it spins for days! Look for the full review here soon.
WTC uses a few seals to seal the seals, if that makes sense. The weather sealing of the new bottom brackets is impressive. They have seals in the spindle, bearing gutters, bearing inner and outer races, shells, and end caps. Five seals and O-rings ensure the bearings remain clean, resulting in low drag and superior performance in all conditions.
There are spindle bushings that separate the inner race and crank spindle to eliminate metal-on-metal, which keeps squeaking at bay. This bushing also enhances bearing longevity, with an interface to the bearing gutter seal for maximum weatherproofing.
Following WTC’s commitment to their Right to Repair ethos, the new BBs are rebuildable and have replacement parts and service guides on the WTC site.
BSA & T47 Internal Standards
T47 external bottom brackets join the existing BSA and T47 internal standards. They come in multiple sizes, offering wide spindle compatibility: 24mm, 29 (DUB), and 30mm. Adjustable sleeves allow the BSA models to fit 68 and 73mm shells. There are additional options for 83 and 100mm shells as well. T47 internal models will fit 85.5 to 92mm shells.
What About the Balls… & Race
The custom-designed bearings in the WTC bottom brackets are made from a hardened chrome bearing steel. So, they have a higher surface hardness than stainless steel. This improves bearing race durability while reducing spinning resistance and noise.
An ACOSUR ZNA coating is applied to the race. This, according to WTC, provides corrosion resistance that is equal to, or better than, stainless steel after 500-hour saltwater testing.
No Proprietary Tools Needed
The new WTC bottom brackets can be installed using standard tools; there is no need to buy proprietary tools to complete the installation. However, Wolf Tooth does make their own bottom bracket tools for ease of installation.
For T47 and BSA bottom brackets, the 44-16 Wolf Tooth Bottom Bracket Tool can install cups for the 24mm spindle, while the 46-12 can be used for 29 and 30mm cups. T47 internal bottom brackets can use the 52-16 BB tool. The Wolf Tooth Pack Wrench also pairs with Wolf Tooth Bottom Bracket Tools for simple installation.
There are four colors available currently: black, raw silver, orange, and ultraviolet purple. These colors match all other components and accessories in the WTC Color Shop, so you can get your matchy on.
Retail & Detail
Retail: $129.95 (BSA sizes), $139.95 (T47 external and internal sizes)
- Colors: black, raw silver, orange, ultraviolet purple
- Compatible with most 24, 29, and 30 mm spindle diameter cranksets
- Adjustable-width shells for BSA and T47 external and internal models
- Best-in-class sealing protects bearings from water and trail debris
- Custom polymer spindle bushings prevent creaking and prolong the life of the crankset
- Standard spline tools are used for installation, service, and removal
- Custom AlSl 52100 chrome bearing steel hardened to Rc 61-66 with ZNA corrosion-resistant coating
- Lifetime warranty
- Replacement parts and service guides are available via Wolf Tooth Right to Repair
- Made in USA
